In our previous must-read new comic books list, Deniz Camp’s Ultimates No. 23 made a case for the best single issue of 2026. The writing was phenomenal as always, but Camp raised the bar with amazing alliteration. On top of that, artist Stipan Morian made it perfect by bringing the war of the Nine Realms to life.
This week, a new group of must-read comic books arrives. Among them is a No. 1 from IDW Dark, a possible challenger for best ongoing of the year, and a series that always makes the list. Let’s begin with my personal favorite of the week.
Sleepy Hollow: The Witches of the Western Wood No. 1
- Writer: Delilah S. Dawson
- Artist: Jose Jaro
- Colors: Xenon Honchar
Delilah S. Dawson’s Sleepy Hollow: The Witches of the Western Wood kicks into gear when a woman gets revenge on her husband for striking her. Then comes the hypocrisy of when women use witchcraft. It’s good enough when people need it, but terrible when it’s used to defend themselves. This leads the main character down the path foreshadowed on page one.
Daredevil No. 2
- Writer: Stephanie Phillips
- Artist: Lee Garbett
- Colors: Frank Martin
This issue of Daredevil has mystery, action, and a couple of new and interesting characters (Matt’s student Lauren Baker, Police Officer Callahan, and Detective Dominic Forte). And, as I said in a previous article, Lee Garnett and Frank Martin’s art is flawless. If this series continues like it is, writer Stephanie Phillips' Daredevil will have the best ongoing series of 2026.
Batman No. 9
- Writer: Matt Fraction
- Artist: Ryan Sook
- Inker: Wade Von Grawbadger
- Colors: Tomeu Morey
In the previous issue of Matt Fraction's Batman, Gotham City Police Commissioner Vandal Savage made a deal with Mayor Pamela Isley so that he could make the Bat-Family criminals. In this story, readers see Savage’s deal in action as he is going after the Batman, Signal, Batgirl, and Oracle without mercy.
While one of their own was captured, Batman No. 9 has an uplifting ending for Bruce and Damian Wayne, providing some hope for the DC Comics pair's relationship.
She-Spawn No. 1
- Writer: Gail Simone
- Artist: Ig Guara
- Colors: Robert Nugent
I may not know much about Spawn, but I know enough to grab a title written by Gail Simone. As expected, there’s a great story in She-Spawn No. 1, as well as well-placed humor, and an ending that will keep readers invested in the overall She-Spawn mini-series. On top of all that, the art is amazing.
X-Men No. 29
- Writer: Jed MacKay
- Penciler: Netho Diaz
- Inker: Sean Parsons
- Colors: Arthur Hesli
Jed MacKay’s X-Men has been good since the first issue, but No. 29 was absolutely perfect. Readers are treated to plenty of emotional moments, action, and creative uses of mutant powers. For example, Temper and Kid Omega may have just ruined the relationship between mutants and the citizens in Alaska. Meanwhile, Beast discovered the source of his team’s problems and may have made a new ally along the way.
Speed Racer No. 8
- Writer: David Pepose
- Artist: Davide Tinto
- Colors: Jão Canola
Speed Racer No. 8 was so intense and well-written that I found myself getting goosebumps while reading it. The chase was superb, the art was beautiful, and the storyline that people may have forgotten about continued. And then, there was an ending that must have left readers smiling. Everyone may have seen it coming, but it was so well done that it didn't matter.
Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant No. 4
- Writer: Murewa Ayodele
- Artist: Federica Mancin
- Colors: Javier Tartaglia
Storm is the main character, but the demon Bogey was the star of this issue. She attempted to persuade/trick Hera, Hades, and Persephone into getting access to the Underworld. When that failed, she attacked them with a fury I didn’t know she had. And while she was fighting them, Bogey reminded the Rulers of Olympus that before there were gods, there were demons.
Batgirl No. 19
- Writer: Mariko Tamaki
- Artist: Amancay Nahuelpan
- Colors: Tamra Bonvillain
Batgirl has been a solid series throughout because the creative team made sure that Cassandra Cain’s growth continued. Here, it takes things a step further because Cassie went beyond anything people have seen. Her inner monologue was poetic, she also came to terms with her past and present and even learned to embrace a curse. It was all wonderfully pulled off.
Fall of the House of Slaughter No. 1
- Writer: Tate Brombal
- Artist: Adriano Turtulici
- Colors: Valentina Napolitano
Only the best writers can create a story that's mostly politics and make it interesting. After reading Fall of the House of Slaughter No. 1, I can add Tate Brombal to that list of greatness. There was a lot of dialogue but, thankfully, it was always interesting. The project also leads to the possible return of the star character in Something is Killing the Children, Erica Slaughter. And that's very interesting indeed!
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